This article focuses on different ways in which socially disadvantaged parents engage with their children's educational experiences, and provides evidence of the role they play in opening or narrowing their children's access to education. Disadvantaged parents are usually associated with weak or difficult educational trajectories for their…

Examines whether net social-welfare expenditure enhanced university enrollment rates in Southern Italy between 1983 and 1996. Finds that while unemployment rates among college-age adults is a major determinant of enrollment rates, net social-welfare expenditure does enhance university enrollment. (Contains 20 references.) (PKP)